Chime and chime again

[jwalton22rg]

--- In bellhistorians at yahoogroups.com, "jwalton22rg" <je.walton at v...> 
wrote:
> 
> ... the clock chime in the Great Western Arcade, between Moor 
> Street and Snow Hill stations, at the end nearest to Colmore Row. 
Is anyone able to give accurate details?

I will partly answer my own question - had slightly more time before 
the train yesterday. I'm pretty sure I can make out 'Whitechapel' on 
the largest bell, but my failing eyesight couldn't read the date. 
However, I note that the arcade was re-opened in 1984, which perhaps 
gives a pretty large clue...

On a different subject, I read CD's article in this week's Ringing 
World yesterday. Having visited Tyntesfield myself, I am interested 
to know where the 1815 Mears bell was to be found - the article seems 
to imply it was not in the turret, nor in the 'spirelet'. My tour 
guide did not refer to the bells, even though the history of the 
Eayre bell makes a nice little story, even for those without specific 
interest in bells (it is possibly the oldest datable artefact in the 
house) - perhaps worth suggesting to the NT? Keep up the good work 
in bringing our passion as bell historians to a wider audience...

John